The New Era of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team
The U.S. women’s national soccer team (USWNT) is entering a new era under the leadership of coach Emma Hayes, who has taken an innovative approach in her first year on the job. Hayes has introduced an unprecedented level of experimentation, as evidenced by the fact that an astonishing 24 players have made their international debuts during her tenure across 24 matches, including a gold medal triumph at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics last summer.
Refining the Roster for the 2027 World Cup
As Hayes shifts her focus towards assembling a solid squad with aspirations of clinching a fifth World Cup title in Brazil in 2027, she has indicated that it’s now time to refine her roster. This article evaluates which of these debutants are likely to secure a spot on the World Cup team in two years. The ranking takes into account not only the players’ skills but also the essential roles the team requires.
Key Players and Their Potential
Among the newcomers, Laura Gaetino entered the scene last year during a 3-0 victory against Argentina but has not been a regular presence in the U23 squads due to Hayes experimenting with other rising center backs. Similarly, fellow debutant Hudson Malonson has made limited appearances, with her only cap coming against the same Argentine side, while several other fullbacks have recently seen more action.
Ashley Staab‘s debut coincided with a troubling injury, halting her momentum at a time when depth in the defensive line is critical, particularly with the Chicago team she plays for experiencing difficulties this season. In contrast, the midfield player, Desiree LaBonta, is a go-to player whose all-around talent keeps her in contention despite stiff competition from younger players.
Promising performances from midfielder Mia Meza, who shined against Ireland last month, and the attack-oriented fullback DeMia Rodriguez, who creatively contributes from her position, have caught Hayes’ attention. Rodriguez’s effectiveness in creating chances places her among the players with potential for future call-ups, while teammates like Abello and McGlynn are also exploring their roles within the squad.
Competition for Goalkeeper and Defensive Positions
Goalkeeper Kate McGlynn debuted last fall during a period of heightened competition for the No. 1 spot, looming over her are options like Jane Campbell, who has faced challenges earning a place in the starting lineup. Meanwhile, Lauren Reale has bolstered her case following an impressive showing against Canada, indicating that her quality could be crucial moving forward.
One player making a notable case for inclusion is Bugg, who is regarded as a future mainstay in the center back position and continues to develop with the U20 team while training with U23s. The progress of this young player could be pivotal, especially with potential changes in World Cup roster sizes. However, recovery from injury remains an unforeseen hurdle for players like Hershfelt, who has the competitive spirit reminiscent of veteran Julie Ertz.
Emerging Talents and Future Prospects
On the rise is Claire Sears, who has demonstrated remarkable talent in the NWSL, ranking high in goals while continuing to improve her skill set. The same can be said for McKeown, who has shown significant development since transitioning from a forward role. Ryan, striving to establish herself further, brings flexibility and the ability to perform various roles in the forward line.
With players like Gisele Thompson and Cooper not yet fully embraced by the international scene, they both hold promise for the future, catching the eye of coaches with their tenacity and skill. Statistically, goalkeeper Kayla Dickey is making headlines with her standout performance in the NWSL, indicating she will be a strong contender for the USWNT’s goalkeeping future.
Despite the presence of established names, emerging talents like Caroline Bethune are creating buzz, having already tied for the most assists in her rookie NWSL season. Patterson‘s impressive performances as a versatile fullback could see her become a mainstay on the defensive line.
Looking Ahead
Ultimately, 19-year-old defensive midfielder Hutton represents a rare find for the team, bringing both skill and composure to her game. As exceptional as she is, high expectations surround players like Sentnor, who have drawn comparisons to some of the best current talents in the sport. The rapid ascent of Tullis-Joyce as a goalkeeper suggests that the competition for spots in the team heading into the 2027 World Cup will be more intense than ever.
Finally, as U.S. soccer fans look to the horizon, the transfer of Yohannes to OL Lyon represents not just her growth but the type of dynamic playmaking ability the national team has long desired. Hayes remains focused on developing these players each step of the way, ensuring that a blend of youth and experience will shape the future of the USWNT in the years to come.
